Priory Country Park is a former gravel pits located on the South East edge of Bedford, adjacent to the River Great Ouse. Find us at Barkers Lane off A428, or in Priory Business Park off A421 Bedford bypass. Admission is Free with access to the Visitor centre and 2 hides, one overlooking the main lake and one on the Finger lakes. You will find Winter wildfowl, passage terns and waders, and Water Rail all year.

Friday, April 02, 2010

Good Friday

2 Gadwall (pair), 4 Tufted Ducks (3m1f) and 4 Teal flushed from Fingers by the Sedgewick Seat. 2 Greylag Geese on the main lake. Single male Bullfinch in the plantation to the north of Kramer hide. Also one of the Blackcaps was singing very strongly in the same plantation.

Good numbers of Sand Martins (c60) over the main lake with a number of Swallows intermixed.

The Fingers Mute Swans have started nest building and the male is much more agressive now, seeing off all comers. The main lake pair were also on patrol with the male seeing off another Mute Swan down by the Beach.

A couple of Grey Herons were seen along the navigation channel. A Kingfisher was seen along the flood channel just upstream from where it joins with the Canoe Slalom.

Volunteer Group Programme

If you cannot join us for the whole day feel free to come along when you can, all help is appreciated.

November 5th 9am - 3pm

December 3rd 9am - 3pm

January 7th 9am - 3pm

February 4th 9am - 3pm

March 4th 9am - 3pm

April 1st 9am - 3pm

Please note that the Priory Rangers may have to cancel a task day at short notice if the health and safety of volunteers cannot be ensured.

Under 17s MUST be accompanied by an adult. All training and tools provided by the Rangers. You will need: stout footwear (trainers not acceptable), suitable outdoors clothing, and a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits provided.

Volunteers will be asked to leave if inappropriate clothing and footwear is worn, or health and safety instructions are not followed.